As the end of the season edges closer, every point matters across the JD Cymru Leagues. Here are this weekend’s key games to watch.
JD Cymru Premier – The New Saints v Haverfordwest County (Saturday, 12:15pm)
The New Saints return to league action on Saturday after lifting the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend courtesy of a 1-0 win over Aberystwyth Town.
Craig Harrison’s side have a 12-point lead over second-place Penybont at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table and a second trophy of the season might not to be too far away. If the Saints defeat Haverfordwest County at Park Hall on Saturday – live on Sgorio – and Bont drop points against Bala Town, then the title would be secured with victory over Caernarfon Town on Tuesday night.
Haverfordwest will not roll over though as they are a chasing a second-place finish which could secure automatic European qualification. A 1-0 home win over Cardiff Met a fortnight ago extended the Bluebirds’ unbeaten streak to eight matches and they are now just three points behind Penybont.
TNS edged out Haverfordwest in both Phase One meetings between the sides, as Adrian Cieslewicz scored in a 1-0 away win, before goals from Josh Pask and Ash Baker saw the champions come from behind to win 2-1 on home turf.
JD Cymru North – Penrhyncoch v Airbus UK Broughton (Saturday, 2pm)
Airbus UK Broughton will hope to return to winning ways away at Penrhyncoch on Saturday following a rare draw last weekend.
The Wingmakers were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Guilsfield last Saturday – only the second time this season they have dropped points at home. It means that they now trail JD Cymru North leaders Colwyn Bay by four points, but Mark Allen’s side do have a game in hand.
Penrhyncoch have recorded back-to-back wins over Caersws in recent weeks to ease any relegation fears and climb up to 10th in the table. With games in hand over the teams around them and a seven-match unbeaten streak at home in all competitions, the Roosters will aim to finish their first season back in the second tier strongly.
This will be the first meeting between Penrhyncoch and Airbus since the 2021/22 JD Cymru North campaign, which saw Airbus secure a 6-0 home win – as Adam Davies scored four – before a 1-1 draw at Cae Baker.
JD Cymru South – Taffs Well v Newport City (Friday, 7:30pm)
Taffs Well hosting Newport City on Friday night, with time running out for the Wellmen in their fight for survival in the JD Cymru South.
Josh Anderson’s side are seven points adrift of safety with just five games left to play, having lost nine of their last 10 league matches. A first win since November is desperately needed.
Newport City head to Rhiw Dda’r off the back of a 2-1 win away at Ammanford last weekend, which took the Steelmen up to seventh in the table. Sam Houldsworth’s side are now unbeaten in their last four matches on the road.
The points were shared in November’s reverse fixture as Sam Johnson’s equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Taffs Well away from home.
